SCVAC-Kent League-Div2-Erith-16/7/12

Invicta Men win promotion

We entered this final match of the season in 2nd place in our division knowing that we would gain promotion if we could hold this position. Bromley Vets were behind us with one less league point but ahead of us on aggregate match points. And they were fielding a strong team and seemed determined to overtake us if they could. Our 5 representatives knew that they had all to play for.

Terry Hawkins accepted the challenge and in the 35+ events placed 2nd in the “A” 100m-12.9 and won the LJ-4-67 and Dis-25-04. Well done Terry. Another ever-present member of the team is Richard Hudson who gained invaluable points in the 50+-3rd 100m-15.7; 4th 800m-3-13.5 and 2nd LJ-3-17. Thank you Richard. Rob Whittacker again stepped down to the 35+ “A” 800m and placed 5th in 2-27.0. This time would have won his own 50+ event!! Peter Bowell made a special effort to be present at this match and contributed with 5th place in both the “B” 100m-15.7 and 800m-2-48.0. As team manager, John Gilbert had a serious talk with himself about “every point counts” etc and reluctantly persuaded himself to do the 60+ 800m (about 700m beyond his comfort zone these days!!). He eventually finished in 3rd place-3-54.6. In the 50+ Dis John place 2nd-24-05. And as evidence of the power of inspiration and “mind over matter” he somehow won the 60+ LJ-2-78 (and, yes, there were 3 other competitors in the competition ...actually””). He was then able to relax and let his teammates do the hard work in the medley relay (200x2/400/800m) where they finished 3rd-4-45.8.

At the end the match points difference between ourselves and Bromley Vets was only 4-in our favour!! Every point did count!! Next season will prove to be a greater challenge altogether.Div 1 is a considerably higher standard than 2. We will need to field our strongest teams at every fixture if we want to survive in Div 1. So...now is the time for some of you Vets to start training on the PV and field events generally-where we sometimes struggle to cover everything. And Ladies-do you want a team in the League next year?? Do talk among yourselves. Matches are always mon or friday evenings beginning at 6.45. We can always arrange travel between ourselves.

Again-congratulations to the men's team-you have done yourselves proud.